Used Electric Cars: What to Check Before You Buy
Buying a used electric vehicle (EV) is an exciting step towards greener, cheaper driving, but it comes with its own checklist compared to petrol or diesel cars. At Sandicliffe, we want you to feel confident and informed every step of the way. That’s why we’ve put together this clear, practical guide on what to check before buying a used electric car from Sandicliffe.
Whether you’re browsing our online used electric car stock or planning a visit to one of our dealerships, this guide will help you make the right choice.
1. Check the Vehicle History & Documentation
Before anything else, ask for the full history of the car, just as you would with any used vehicle. This should include:
V5C registration and confirmation of ownership details
Service history and MOT records
Previous owners and mileage consistency
At Sandicliffe, every used car undergoes a comprehensive history check to confirm no outstanding finance, accident write-offs, or theft records, giving you peace of mind when you buy.
2. Inspect the Battery’s Health – The Heart of an EV
For electric cars, the battery is the most important and most expensive component.
Ask for a Battery State of Health (SoH) report if available
Check whether the battery is still under manufacturer warranty and if that warranty transfers to you
Compare the reported range to expected range for that model and age
Battery degradation is natural over time, but knowing the battery condition helps avoid surprises later. Many manufacturers provide warranties that cover limited capacity loss, which can be a significant advantage when buying used.
3. Look Closely at the Exterior and Charging Equipment
When inspecting a used EV, don’t overlook:
The physical condition of the bodywork and paint
Door panels and gaps that could indicate past repairs
Whether charging cables and adapters are included and in good working order
Any damage around the charging port that could impact plugging in
Not all used electric cars come with all cables by default, this can be expensive to replace if missing.
4. Examine the Interior and Electrical Features
Electric cars rely on technology, so make sure:
All screens, infotainment systems, and digital controls work properly
Heating, air conditioning, and connected apps behave as expected
There are no warning lights on the dashboard
EVs are generally quieter than ICE cars, so any unexpected noises during your test drive could highlight issues worth investigating further.
5. Test Drive: Feel How It Drives
There’s no substitute for a test drive:
Notice how the EV accelerates, brakes, and handles
Pay attention to comfort and how regenerative braking feels
Try driving at different speeds
Used electric cars perform differently from petrol or diesel vehicles, smoother and often more responsive. A test drive gives you the best sense of whether the car fits your everyday needs.
6. Charging: Home and Public Network Considerations
Before buying:
Understand how and where you’ll charge the car
Check if you have access to home charging or use public chargers regularly
Look into local charging networks and any applicable grants
Charging convenience and costs are a major part of EV ownership, so it’s important to think about how the car fits your lifestyle.
7. Warranty, After-Sales & Support
At Sandicliffe:
Many of our used electric cars come with a comprehensive warranty
We offer support and servicing through our trained technicians
You can ask about options such as extended warranties or protection plans
Understanding your warranty helps you plan ahead and protects you from unexpected repair costs.
8. Know Total Costs and Ownership Implications
While electric cars often cost less to run per mile than petrol and diesel cars, consider:
Road tax and Vehicle Excise Duty, which may apply from April 2025
Insurance costs
Charging bills and potential home charger installation
Sandicliffe can help break down these costs so you know exactly what to expect before you buy.
Final Thoughts
Buying a used electric car can be a fantastic investment, cost-effective, enjoyable to drive, and better for the environment. By checking the history, battery, charging setup, and test driving thoroughly, you’ll be well equipped to make the right choice.
At Sandicliffe, we pride ourselves on quality, transparency, and expert guidance. Explore our current range of used electric vehicles online today or visit one of our dealerships to get personalised advice and support.
